Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Tilapia Growth Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

An increasing body of evidence suggests that Coenzyme Q10 can enhance fish performance, which is vital for the development of aquaculture; however, its effects have not yet been systematically analysed. This paper aims to summarise and evaluate the effects of Coenzyme Q10 on the growth performance of Tilapia. Five databases were searched: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The study followed the PRISMA methodology and was registered on the Open Science Framework. Methodological quality was assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias Tool. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan software. Relevant literature was screened, and data was extracted. In total, seven studies were included in the review, with five included in the meta-analysis, comprising 1,752 animals and 18 comparisons. Most studies exhibited methodological limitations or uncertainties. The meta-analysis demonstrated that Coenzyme Q10 significantly improved performance indicators, with standardised mean differences (SMD) observed for feed intake (SMD = 10.49, 95% CI: 8.58; 12.40), feed conversion (SMD = -2.03, 95% CI: -3.00; -1.07), feed efficiency ratio (SMD = 8.83, 95% CI: 7.19; 10.48), daily weight gain (SMD = 11.28, 95% CI: 9.42; 13.14), specific growth rate (SMD = 7.17, 95% CI: 5.68; 8.67), and survival rate (SMD = 2.80, 95% CI: 2.03; 3.57), compared with the control. Subgroup analyses indicated significant effects of Coenzyme Q10 on most variables. Although CoQ10 may improve growth performance indices in tilapia, further research is needed to strengthen species-specific evidence.